Second WorldFormer group of states aligned with the Soviet Union Political alignments in Europe during the Cold War after 1961 Eastern Bloc Republics of the USSR Armenia Azerbaijan Byelorussia Estonia Georgia Kazakhstan Kirghizia Latvia Lithuania Moldova Russia Tajikistan Turkmenistan Ukraine Uzbekistan Allied and satellite states Afghanistan (1978–1989) Albania (until 1961) Angola Benin Bulgaria China (until 1961) Congo Cuba Czechoslovakia (until 1989) East Germany (until 1989) Ethiopia (Derg) Grenada (1979–1983) Hungary (until 1989) Kampuchea (State of Cambodia) Laos Mongolia Mozambique North Korea Poland (until 1989) Romania (until 1989) Somalia (until 1977) South Yemen Vietnam (North Vietnam, PRG) Yugoslavia (1945–1948) Related organizations Warsaw Pact Comecon Cominform World Federation of Trade Unions World Federation of Democratic Youth Opposition Anti-Soviet partisans Albania Bulgaria Croatia Poland Romania Serbia Ukraine Guerrilla war in the Baltic states Soviet occupation Estonia Latvia Lithuania Operation Jungle Protests and uprisings Poland 1944–1989 Poznań 1956 1980–89 Plzeň 1953 East Germany 1953 Georgia 1956 Hungary 1956 Quỳnh Lưu 1956 Novocherkassk 1962 Prague 1968 Invasion Moscow Czechoslovakia 1976–1990 Romania 1977 Kazakhstan 1986 Brașov 1987 Tbilisi 1989 Ukraine 1989–1991 Baku 1990 Lithuania 1991 Riga 1991 Dissent Soviet Poland East Germany to Hong Kong North Korea Cuba Cold War events Marshall Plan Czechoslovak coup Tito–Stalin split Berlin Blockade Korean War Vietnam War Secret Speech Sino-Soviet split Albanian–Soviet split De-satellization of the Socialist Republic of Romania Berlin Wall Cuban Missile Crisis Cuban intervention in Angola Afghan War 1980 Moscow Olympics 1984 Los Angeles Olympics Gulf War Fall Singing Revolution Polish Round Table Agreement Revolutions of 1989 Fall of the Berlin Wall January Events Barricades in Latvia Breakup of Yugoslavia Yugoslav Wars Dissolution of the Soviet Union Post-Soviet conflicts Fall of communism in Albania Dissolution of Czechoslovakia vte The Second World was one of the "Three Worlds" during the Cold War, which described those countries aligned with the Soviet Union and allies in the Warsaw Pact and Eastern Bloc.
Western BlocThe Western Bloc, also known as the Capitalist Bloc, the Freedom Bloc, the Free Bloc, and the American Bloc, was an unofficial coalition of countries that were officially allied with the United States during the Cold War (1947–1991).
Soviet UnionThe Soviet Union, officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), was a transcontinental country that spanned much of Eurasia from its formation in 1922 until its dissolution in 1991. It was the world's third-most populous country, the largest by area, and bordered twelve other countries.
Cold War1947–1991 geopolitical rivalry between US and USSR NATO and Warsaw Pact states in 1988Duration44 years and 9 monthsPart of the post-World War II eraLocationGlobalThe Cold War was a period of international geopolitical rivalry between the United States (US) and the Soviet Union (USSR) and their respective allies, the capitalistWestern Bloc and communistEastern Bloc. It began in the aftermath of the Second World War and ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Dissolution of the Soviet Union862–1240: Ancient Rus'Rurik • Baptism of Rus' • Russkaya Pravda • Council of Liubech • Council of Uvetichi • Mongol conquest1240–1547: Appanage RussiaBlack Death • Battle of Kulikovo • MuscoviteCivil War • Great Stand on the Ugra River • Sudebnik of 14971547–1917: Tsarist RussiaTime of Troubles • Zemsky Sobor • Treaty ofNystad • Petrovian reforms • Patriotic War • Decembrist Revolt • Emancipation reform • Russo-Japanese War • 1905 Revolution • October Manifesto • Second Patriotic War1917–1922: Russian RevolutionFebruary Revolution • Provisional Government • Dvoyevlastiye • July Days • Kornilov affair • Directorate • Constituent Assembly (election) • Bolshevik Coup • Civil War • White Guard • Red Army • Soviet-Polish War • PriamuryeGovt.CapitalismCapitalism is an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and its use for the purpose of obtaining profit. This socioeconomic system has developed historically in several stages and is defined by a number of constituent elements: private property, profit motive, capital accumulation, competitive markets, commodification, wage labor, and an emphasis on innovation and economic growth.
Political stabilityPolitical stability is a situation characterized by the preservation of an intact and smoothly functioning government or political system, avoiding significant disruptions or changes over an extended duration. Political stability signifies a state of tranquility, organization, and sustained continuity within the political domain. It is marked by consistent institutions and policies, as well as a commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Eastern BlocCold War coalition of communist states
Liberal democracyForm of governmentThe Eduskunta, the parliament of the Grand Duchy of Finland (then part of Russia), had universal suffrage in 1906. Several states and territories can present arguments for being the first with universal suffrage.Liberal democracy, also called Western-style democracy, is a form of government that combines the organization of a democracy with ideas of liberal political philosophy.
Rule of lawPolitical situation in which everyone is subject to the lawA mosaic representing both the judicial and legislative aspects of law. The woman on the throne holds a sword to chastise the guilty and a palm branch to reward the meritorious.
Three-world modelThe three-world model is a lens of political analysis describing the world during the Cold War. The model divides the world's nations into three groups: the First, Second, and Third Worlds.
Economic stabilityEconomic stability is the absence of excessive fluctuations in the macroeconomy. An economy with fairly constant output growth and low and stable inflation would be considered economically stable. An economy with frequent large recessions, a pronounced business cycle, very high or variable inflation, or frequent financial crises would be considered economically unstable.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.